Multiple Questions

[Franziska]

I'm sorry... I'm sure these questions are answered elsewhere. I've searched, but I've probably missed them.

First of all, I've just started the birth control shots that you get every three months. I don't like that the doctor wanted to leave so quickly so I didn't get all my questions answered. I don't plan on being sexually active any time soon but I was wondering how many shots it takes until it's certain a pregnancy won't happen?

It's going to be a week tomorrow that I've started them. Is it normal that I've started to feel extremely depressed along with be very, very tired? It's a struggle to get up each morning. Do these symptoms go away after awhile? The cramps and headaches I have are very slight and tolerable but it's not fun that I feel like killing myself.

The doctor also said there's a risk of some irregular bleeding with the first shot. She said it's different for everyone if or when it happens. Do any of you think differently? Is there a certain time I should watch for and when am I out of the danger zone for this to happen? The first three months is a long time to be worrying about this.

I was also wondering if any STDs or other issues can happen while having unprotected sex if two people have only been intimate with each other? On this shot I have no risk of getting pregnant, so I'd like to have intercourse this way should I ever get married in the future.

...Once again, sorry. I'm an incredibly stupid nearly 21-year-old virgin. I was way too embarrassed to ever ask these questions to someone face to face so I thought I'd try here.

[Brandye]

You are now protected and as close to safe from pregnancy as possible without surgery. Do be careful about other medications, especially antibiotics, and supplements that interfere with all horminal systems of birth control. You have no protection against STDs. Generally, a woman in a stable monogamous relationship uses the hormonal system alone. If still dating around, condoms are a good idea. You should also ask the doctor about the possibility of Gardasil shots. Though you are older than suggested, being virgin still makes that protection worthwhile.

Some women adjust quite readily to the shot; others give up because of irregular bleeding, mood problems and general discomfort. Each woman is different in the these reactions and you only find out after getting the first shot. Yes, three months seems long for this but most sexually active women find it more acceptable to worry about breakthrough bleeding than about pregnancy. It is unusual for a sexually inactive woman to go from no protection to having the shot. I am certain that you discussed this with the doctor. Also, I hope you discussed getting off the shot. Some women do not become regular again for many months after discontinuing the shot. You have started the trip and now there is nothing to do but see how it goes.

[Franziska]

Thank you very much for the info. I noticed you said it was unusual to get it since I'm not active, so I guess I'll explain that it was because I have most horrible periods. They make me so sick I've called into work saying I can't make it and there seems to be, at least to me, and unusually large amount of blood. They also last for eight days, so I'd had enough, and asked what I could do to just stop my periods. Since I never want to have children she said this shot is the best since it eventually stops them but I can only take it for five years.

[dancingdoc2]

> I don't like that the doctor wanted to leave so quickly so I didn't get all my questions answered.

Ah, yes.... You make an appointment to see the doctor, wait in the office long past your appointment time, then when you do see the doctor, it is like "wham, bam, thank you and it is over.

This is your appointment and your hour, not the doctor's. Next time, inform the person pleasantly that you have more to discuss and that you would appreciate him/her spending some more time in order to get your money's worth.

(Sorry Brandye. This is a pet peeve many of us have over here.)

[EvilEvilKitten]

Please also watch your weight.

The shot can, since it makes your body 'think' its pregnant, send your systems into over-drive where everything you eat is used up and this can put the weight on. Not only is this unattractive but it can damage your health due to diabetes, etc.

So, depressed or not - get up and get moving!

[Franziska]

Yup, that's already happened. It seems like every five seconds I'm starving. I am allowing myself to eat a little more only because I am actually underweight and could stand to gain a few pounds.

I haven't gained anything yet because my job helps me to stay fit. Instead of using elevators I always use the stairs, I'm only off my feet during my breaks, and I help with putting away freight at as well. It also helps that most foods I eat make me sick. One day after eating quite a bit, and I apologize for being gross, I lost it all.

I really appreciate the concern, and I will always keep an eye on the scale, but I think in this regard I'll actually be OK.

[EvilEvilKitten]

Small amounts of healthy food from ALL food groups is then called for in your case. Nothing wrong with that.

But I agree that if you're not satisfied with your doctor visits - demand more from him/her.

[Franziska]

OK... So the irregular bleeding started and it won't stop.

I was told I might still get a period with this shot, which I did. Then, two days later, I got a second and much worse one that hasn't stopped and I think it's approaching the two week mark.

I'm very dizzy, lightheaded, weak, and all I want to do is sleep. Is this normal or should I call my doctor? The bleeding is really showing no signs of slowing down.

[EvilEvilKitten]

Call your doctor!!!

[Brandye]

The experience of one doctor (me) is that patients have more difficulty adjusting to the shot than to other hormonal systems. Keep your doctor advised. My comment regarding that once you have started there is nothing to do but see how it goes. It is infrequent that women are started right onto the shot rather than a pill.

Call your doctor. Some women have these issues for a month or so and then smooth out. Some have the problem until it wears off. There is little the doctor can do but she needs to know what is happening.